Programs
Music on the Streets
Soak up the sounds of summer at Music on the Street, a free outdoor concert series lighting up Friday evenings in Unionville. Presented in partnership with the Markham Arts Council, the Varley Art Gallery, and the Unionville BIA, this event brings the Varley courtyard and historic Main Street to life with live performances by talented local musicians.
Enjoy an evening of music, community, and summer vibes—right in the heart of Markham. No tickets or registration required. Just drop in and enjoy the show!
- Fridays, June 13 – September 5
- 5 PM – 8 PM
- Varley Art Gallery Courtyard
- Free | Drop-in
In Partnership with
We are proud to recognize UBIA as a Gold Sponsor and Don Valley North as a Silver Sponsor. Thank you for supporting our community initiatives!
Our mission is to build a stronger, more connected community while uplifting local artists and celebrating the diversity that makes our area special.
This is the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, family, and neighbors—strengthening both individual relationships and the bonds that unite us all.
Come join us and be part of something truly meaningful!
Stay Connected!
For the latest updates, weekly artist lineups, and exciting event announcements, be sure to follow us on social media:
@MarkhamArtsCouncil and @MainStreetUnionville
Join our online community and never miss a beat!
Explore the Full Festival Schedule Below
Stay in tune with all the exciting events and their timings. Whether you’re a jazz lover, rock enthusiast, or a fan of soulful ballads, there’s something for everyone!
Therapeutic Arts
Discover the Power of Therapeutic Arts
Virtual Art Therapy
Empower, Create, Heal
Open to individuals of ages 55 and above (as of July 1st).
Unlock your creativity and support your well-being with our Therapeutic Arts group program! Designed to help individuals navigate mental and emotional challenges, these sessions harness the healing power of art-making to foster self-esteem, boost self-awareness, and promote personal insight.
WHY JOIN?
- Experience a safe, supportive space to express yourself
- Explore emotions and find clarity through creative activities
- Strengthen coping skills and discover calm amid life’s chaos
- Enjoy the guidance of a registered Art Therapist in every session
A Special Invitation to Veterans
We warmly welcome veterans to join our sessions. We recognize the unique experiences and challenges faced by those who have served. Therapeutic Arts offers a creative outlet to process emotions, share stories, and find community with others who understand. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, reconnect with yourself, or simply try something new, our program provides a supportive environment tailored to your needs.
Sessions are held virtually throughout the year, making it easy and convenient to participate from the comfort of your home. No prior art experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind!
Join the Markham Arts Council and embark on a creative journey toward greater emotional well-being.
Reserve your spot today and start expressing, exploring, and thriving through art!
In Partnership with
We are proud to recognize TD bank and Government of Ontario as our Sponsors. Thank you for supporting our community initiatives!
Meet the Therapist – Renata Chubb
As a Facilitator and Expressive Arts Therapist: I believe in my core that art, sound, movement, words, and play offer great potential for healing and reconnection with self. I am an Expressive Arts Therapist, working with art and trauma. I myself have turned to the arts through so many difficult life experiences, often without even realizing it, as a way to dig into my own authentic responses, working with my body sensations and creative impulses. My role is too gently guide, work with, and empower individuals in their release of old programs and traumas using the alternate languages of the arts. Often we do not have words – because we need to tap out of. our thinking mind and feel our way through that moment, that experience, that memory. Without a doubt, a space can be made by working with colour, or sounds, tiny movements, our breath, written words. There are so many ways to express and move through our wounds, discover our needs, and root into our places of power.
As an Artist: I am a passionate creator who is learning to share what she creates. I am full of ideas and always working towards releasing judgements of my own creations. I continuously circle back to the beauty and authenticity of intuitive and abstract expressionist art – not focusing on what I see, but on how I feel – how feelings and energy can be interpreted in shape, texture, colour and line. I do personal artwork on commission basis, and at times work through galleries and art shows.
Celebrating the Arts in York Region
On August 18th, 2025 at the Markham Civic Centre, community members, artists, and leaders gathered for a truly special celebration of creativity and culture in York Region. Hosted by the Markham Arts Council, the Community Recognition Event shone a spotlight on the incredible impact of our local arts community.
The evening was filled with moving speeches, certificate presentations, and heartfelt acknowledgments of the artists and arts professionals whose talent and dedication continue to enrich our region.
This evening marked the beginning of a new initiative by the Alliance of Arts Councils of Ontario (AACO) in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council, dedicated to recognizing artistic excellence across the province.
More than just a ceremony, the night was a reminder of how essential the arts are in telling our stories, celebrating our diversity, and strengthening the bonds within our communities.











